The world-class foodie scene in Washington, D.C., has always been stellar. Elite chefs crafting innovative dishes from culturally diverse traditions have long been a culinary hallmark of the nation’s capital. This guide to some of the best restaurants in town will give you a first taste of the amazing epicurean delights waiting for you to discover.
Washington, D.C.’s diverse culinary history reaches back hundreds of years, spanning from Southern comfort food to modern American cuisine. Unique flavor pairings culled from various kitchen traditions make for distinguished concept dishes. Inviting atmospheres and innovative spaces leave diners with memorable experiences. Foodies love standout establishments like Matchbox for its artisanal pizzas and sliders. The laid-back Big Buns allows customers to customize their burgers. American comfort food rules at The Delegate. Southern fare like fried chicken and biscuits pop at Hen Quarter. The Rub Chicken & Beer pairs mouthwatering chicken with outstanding sauces. Makers Union provides a welcoming atmosphere with its modern pub fare. New York-style pizza lovers can’t miss Wiseguy Pizza with its perfectly crispy crust and generous toppings. Finally, Milk & Honey is the city’s hottest brunch spot, with standout dishes like shrimp and grits. Each of these restaurants adds its unique flavor to the D.C. dining scene, making them essential stops for food lovers.
What do all these top D.C. establishments have in common? They are all owned by Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest Black-owned hospitality groups in the nation. Founded by Warren Thompson in 1992, its driving principles of providing the highest quality service, celebrating diversity, and giving back to the community speak to a dedication you will taste in every meal they serve you.
Multiple locations across the DMV
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Started in 2002 when an old vacant building became a brick oven pizza house, Matchbox spread to multiple locations throughout the DMV. The ethos here is that food should be fun and inclusive. The charming atmosphere is permeated with kitchen aromas that hit you as soon as you open the door. While you can enjoy juicy mini-burgers and parmesan-dusted onion strings, the Pepperoni + Hot Honey Pizza may be the best that the wood-stoked pies here have to offer. And don’t miss the arancini, a fried version of risotto with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. This is the perfect place for casual get-togethers, whether you’re celebrating or just catching up.
Multiple locations across the DMV
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There are burger joints, and then there are spots like Bug Buns that take things to a whole new level. With eight locations throughout the DMV, the creative approach to the standard patty favorite will astound even the most seasoned burger lover. It’s all thanks to owner Craig Carey, who was inspired by regional burger styles from around the country. The results of this dedication include the standout Peppercorn Steakhouse Burger, which features gruyere cheese and fried onion straws. And if you’re into shakes, give the Unicorn a sip. This one gets served up in a mini-inflatable version of the elusive mythical creature. Looking for adult beverage options? The “attitude adjuster” drinks run the gambit from orange vodka crushes to boozy shakes!
1106 9th St NW, Washington, DC
Black Restaurant Week Listing |Â Website | Instagram | Facebook | (202) 567-6645
Sometimes, food really does taste better with a view. The Delegate is one of Washington, D.C.’s latest rooftop establishments, and with captivating views of the Capitol Building, it’s a pretty tough act to follow. While that perch might be pretty darn impressive, the sublime dishes served here take things even higher. Simple selections like the heirloom tomato and burrata provide wonderful diversity alongside the Sea Cuterie — a seafood version of the charcuterie board. On such a stunning menu, it’s hard to pick a “must-try” item, but Chef Sammy’s award-winning shrimp & grits is probably the one. There’s plenty more to choose from, and you just can’t beat the elegance of this space, which is perfect since you can also reserve The Delegate for private events. Those gatherings are sure to be unbeatable!
801 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
2121 First St SW, Washington, DC 20024
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With a smattering of tastes and flavors spanning from the Caribbean to the Carolinas, Hen Quarter is another Southern Comfort winner from Chef Sammy Davis. The Alexandria location in Virginia is already a local favorite, and a new spot is opening up soon in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re looking for creamy Creole sauces or grits like Grandma used to make, this place will hit the spot. As the name implies, the go-to dish here is Sammy’s Signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Make sure you get some skillet cornbread to go with it, or you’ll be missing out! And if you’re looking for a serious brunch with everything from an omelet station to fresh gumbo, leave some time open in your weekend schedule for Hen Quarter. There’s also a bottomless mimosa option, so maybe take an Uber there!
801 King St, Alexandria, Virginia
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (703) 684-8969
Coming in with a mission to create the ultimate gourmet chicken sandwich experience in a casual atmosphere, The Rub Chicken & Beer on King in Alexandria boasts a creative menu that gets your mouth watering. The Waf Waf Chicky is a sando made of corn waffles instead of bread, while the cleverly named “Feta James” adds Greek flair to the classic poultry favorite. But the must try dish here is the Nashville Hot Chicken. Served up with the super-hot house sauce and a mustard coleslaw to balance things out, you won’t soon forget each and every scorching bite. Be sure to pair that with the sweet potato waffle fries to get the real deal meal. There are also rub bowls with celebrity names, like the Corn Cobain and Stamos bowls. And save some space for the Nutella pudding!
Multiple locations across the DMV
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An old favorite beloved throughout the whole DMV, Makers Union has just added a fourth space at The Wharf in D.C. The tavern-style establishment has that “where everybody knows your name” feel backed up with a simple creed: “Made for the people.” In other words, prepare to feel at home in this convivial atmosphere with plenty of rotating beer taps to wash down the gourmet selections. There is truly something for everyone here, from the vegan “Impossible” Kebabs to the three-course Tomahawk Ribeye steak dinner for two. It’s also another key D.C. brunch spot for the weekend warriors out there. Give the cornflake-encrusted waffles or breakfast nachos a try. And beyond the beers, adult beverages include a solid wine selection and cocktails like the spicy mango Margarita. Best you come very hungry and thirsty to this one!
Multiple locations across the DMV
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This cheese-and-sauce gem isn’t just all over the DMV; Wiseguy Pizza has even spread its NYC vibe all the way down to Florida! Pizza chef extraordinaire Nuri visited over 200 pizza places in New York and New Jersey, chasing the perfect pie recipes. But capturing the essence of the classic slice wasn’t enough, as the menu reveals. Along with all the old favorites like pepperoni and mushrooms, expect inventive fusion toppings like the must-try Korean Chicken Pizza. There are also excellent selections for vegans, and even a gluten-free cauliflower pie, which you can build to your liking. Nuri approaches the humble comfort food as an art form, so expect excellence here whether you order a round or square pie. Whichever way you go, the delicate balance of ingredients resting on the perfect crust will leave you with delight.
Multiple locations across the DMV
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With thirteen locations and growing in the greater DMV area, Milk & Honey is making sure you are never far from Southern comfort food in the nation’s capital! The mission of this sublime establishment is to lovingly redefine the art of the Southern Louisiana brunch. That said, locations such as the one at The Wharf are full-service all day long. And get ready to do some serious reading because there’s a lot to love on these menus! While you might wonder at entries like the Carolina Low Country gumbo, the must-try dishes here are the butter-glazed biscuits and the chicken & Biscoff waffle. Milk & Honey is the kind of place you could eat at every week, never get the same thing twice, and always walk away astounded with your experience.
The rich diversity of the Washington, D.C., area has always made it a melting pot of widespread cooking traditions. You can jump from Hen Quarter to The Rub Chicken & Beer and literally taste the flavors of a half dozen regional variations of the same dish. Foodways go a long way in the DMV where many peoples’ histories meet your palate. Matchbox’s artisanal pizzas speak of innovation, while the perfect New York slice finds a home at Wiseguy. And you can enjoy all of this in casual pub environments like Makers Union or go for that elegant experience awaiting atop The Delegate. Even brunch is taken to unexpected places, as Milk & Honey patrons have discovered. So, what are you ready to discover? When it comes to DMV cuisine options, there’s no real limit. Just bring your curiosity, your appetite, and your taste buds!
Author: Black Restaurant Week
Content Team
